TOWELS
Choosing the right towel is important. Just as you might look at thread count when buying bed linen, when buying towels you should check the weight and structure of the towel, as well as making sure it’s the right size for what you intend to use it for.
Which Fabric Should I Choose?
Cotton Towels
Cotton is durable, strong and soft, and a popular material for towels, as it is also easy to care for.
Organic Cotton Towels
Organic cotton is grown in a way that uses methods and materials that lessen the impact on our environment. As well as the growing process requiring much less water, the growth is encouraged naturally, and the cotton crop is not treated with harmful pesticides that harm the environment.
Structure & Weave
Terry cloth is commonly used for towels. Terry cloth is a fabric with looped threads to allow it to absorb lots of water. The longer the loop, the better the absorbency of your terry towel.
Jacquard towels provide a high quality look at low cost compared to printed or embroidered towels. A textured pattern or print is woven into the fabric during the production of the towel.
Bordered towels are commonly made of terry cloth but have a design embroidered into the border of the towel.
Towel Weight
Towel weight is measured in g/m² (grams per square metre – also referred to as gsm) and refers to the density of the towel. Simply put, it’s a useful guide to how fluffy and absorbent your towel will be. Most retailers will list weight as a specification on a towel, so it is a good comparison tool when buying towels. The final weight can be affected by a number of factors, including both the material and weave. The higher the weight, the heavier the towel, and the more absorbent it is.
300-400g/m²
Lightweight and thinner towels, which means quicker drying and easier storage in smaller homes. These can also be a good option for holidays, as they roll up small.
400-500g/m²
Medium weight towels, great for beach towels, bath towels and guest towels.
500 – 600g/m²
Heavyweight towels, an indicator of great quality.
1000g/m²
Luxury heavyweight towels that provide maximum absorbency and comfort.
Towel Sizes
To make your towel choice bath-friendly, aim for at least 70 x 130cm, so it will wrap comfortably around you after washing. Bath sheets are a bit bigger at 100 x 150cm, meaning more absorbency and more towel to cover you! Hand towels are a perfect option for small children and can also be doubled up as a good wet hair towel.
La Redoute towels are slightly larger than UK standard sizes, offering that extra comfort and cover after bathtime.
| Towel Sizes | |
|---|---|
| Bath Sheet | 100cm x 150cm |
| Bath Towel | 70 x 140cm |
| Hand Towel | 50 x 140cm |
| Face Towel | 40 x 40cm |
| Wash Mit | 15 x 21cm |
| Beach Towel | Multiple sizes |
| Bath Mit | Multiple sizes |
Our AM.PM towels come in slightly different sizes – so make sure you check the product information before buying to ensure you get what you need.
Most La Redoute towels are sold as singles, so be sure to check the set quantity in the product information so you get what you need.
If you want a full set of towels, it’s easy to mix and match sizes and designs on La Redoute by searching for the name of the range onsite, or looking for the matching set in the recommended products section of the towel you are interested in buying.
If you want the ultimate in spa luxury, why not match your bathrobe to your towel set? Many of our most popular towel designs are available as a bathrobe too!
Washing & Aftercare
Check the label before washing to ensure you correctly wash and dry your towels and keep them in top condition to make them last longer.
It is best to wash your new bath linen at 40°C for the first time to fix the colour and remove the primers.
When washing, use detergent but avoid fabric softener, as this can degrade the absorbency of the towel. If you want a little extra softness, use white vinegar in place of fabric softener when washing towels.
Avoid detergent containing bleach or whiteners. These will cause your towel to fade and can make fibres coarser.
Don’t worry about loose threads, especially in new towels. If you catch a loop, just snip it off or leave it and it won't damage your towel.
Ironing can damage the fibres and reduce absorbency so it’s better to avoid this. However, tumble drying can make towels soft and fluffy after washing. Use the cool-down function for a few minutes before the end of the cycle to ensure fibres are kept fluffy. If you prefer to line dry your towels, popping them in the drier for a few minutes when they are almost dry will help soften them. Naturally, be sure to check the label on your towel to ensure the product is compatible with a drier before tumbling.